SonTavia, Taking Risks

by TheOneAJ

Rating: teen
Tags: Other, Romance, Equestria Girls, Pinkie Pie, Slice of Life, DJ P0N-3, Sonata Dusk, Alternate Universe, Human, Octavia
Length: 7904

After the events of Criticism, Octavia and Sonata start their new friendships, but first have to battle their inner demons to become more...

Direct sequel to Criticisms. This time around, reading the original story is required. As I figured it stood well on its own, but after some pondering I decided to continue it as my first SonTavia multi chapter story. This story taking place right after Criticism, where Octavia wants to be Sonata’s friend (and possible more). However, the self doubt she has from her parents high expectations causes her inner voice to doubt herself, and if friendship and love are really worth the trouble if she might get hurt in the end.
Which comes as a surprise when she discovers she’s not the only one in this new friendship with some baggage to deal with....

Even though I still have one Sleepless art piece I need to use ^^’ The newest one by Zalla661 felt more fitting

If you enjoy this story and want to support it Check out my Kofi page.
Just comment below that you pledge to me in this story, and I’ll have you name appear for every chapter for just one kofi.

Published 2020-08-08 02:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-08-12 16:13:41 UTC

Chapter 1

“Octavia Melody! I said, where have you been, young lady?” her mother snapped.

Head still spinning from the day's events, Octavia didn’t even notice her mother when she entered her house. Which, if there was one thing Octavia knew too well not to do, it was to make somebody, particularly Mrs. Melody, ask a question twice.

Octavia shuttered, but tried to answer as calmly as she could. “I am sorry, mother I was... Tutoring a student for extra credit.” Figuring half a lie would be better than a full one.

Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Extra credit? You’re grades aren’t slipping, are they?”

‘Ah crap,’ she thought. Having avoided one problem, only to face another.

“No! I mean, I got all my homework done flawlessly.” She sucked in a breath, her acting now having to be top notch. “It’s just that, Mr. Cranky wanted me to help someone who was taking some college level math course.” She chuckled nervously. “He thought me helping a fellow student would look good on a resume.” With that out, she gulped and prayed it would be enough to impress.

Her mother ran a finger along her chin in thought. “Well, I’m sure you could of spent your time better otherwise, but you may go get your homework done.”

Octavia let out a sigh of relief. “Yes mother.” And with that, she started up the stairs to her room.

“Oh, and Octavia!” her mother called after.

“Yes, mother?” Octavia asked, gripping the railing.

“Blue Note is hosting a gala for his son next Saturday, and I’ve already told him you’d be preforming with the band.”

Octavia shook her head, but answered, “Thank you, mother.”

“Do expect a call in a while with him mentioning the event though.”

Octavia took in a breath. “Yes, mother.”
Before she could take another step up the stairs, he mother called again, “His son is a really nice boy, Octavia. Would ensure you a stable future. I just hate to see you pass it by like that, or feel you have to solo focus on your school works right now.”

‘Oh you fucking hypocrite!’ Octavia thought to herself.

She said out loudly, “I’ll... I just want to be sure something as trivial as romance won’t get in the way of my studies first and foremost. But, you are right.” ‘As always.’ “He is the nicest gentleman my age that I know of.” Which was the most truthful thing she had said so far. If only because she didn’t know of any other guys to compare.

“Glad to hear.”

With that, Octavia was free to go to her room. Where, she picked up a pillow from her bed, and screamed into it.

*****

An hour later, Octavia had worn herself out enough to start focusing on her homework. Or at least sit at her study with her text books open. Knowing better than to chance her mother or father walking in and finding her doing nothing. Which, usually, even on her worst nights, she could get a little bit done with everything laid out and ready.
The funny thing was, the previous week hadn’t (all things considered) been that bad for her. Nothing that may have made her forget a math assignment. Needing to be rescued by... Her.

Octavia let out a sigh. It was no use. At least if she forgot something, there would have been a good reason for it. Truthfully though, it had been a rather good day for her, and that was the problem. She wasn’t supposed to have fun! If her parents found out, and yet, she almost didn’t care. Thinking back onto that moment where she let all of her emotions out near the end. They way Sonata had held her when she cried...
Octavia groaned and slammed her head onto her study table. To think, at the end of it all, she had to ask that girl to give her time and space just to process her emotions. All because the idea of having a ‘friend,’ or rather the talks she was sure her mother would have with her if she found out, was too scary.

Thinking that out loud, she felt silly. What was she, a child? Wasn’t she supposed to be the great Octavia Melody? The girl who could have anything she wanted.
Breathing in, she pulled out her phone.

‘This is a really bad idea.’ Right on cue, her inner voice spoke. Her conditioned consciousness and ‘voice of reason’ if you will, whenever she, for a moment, thought of doing anything her parents wouldn’t approve of.

‘Put it away and get back to your homework before you get into trouble.’

Octavia paused, fingering her phone, torn. To help stem the tide, she opened it up and scrolled through her contacts. Seeing how she still had Sonata listed as, Study Favor.

She changed it to Sonata Dusk, but left the part that told you how they were associated blank for moment. Fortunately, it was rare that her mother ever asked to check her phone, but she didn’t want to take chances.

‘Only because you don’t give her reason too,’ her conscious pointed out.

Octavia smacked her head. “Or maybe taking chances is what I need right now.”
Mulling it over, looking at how she had no picture of sonata to use either, after weighing the pros and cons of how stalkerish it sounded, she contacted the internet, went to mystable, and typed in the name, Sonata Dusk. She found the Sonata she was looking for shortly after narrowing it down to those who attended Canterlot High. Her profile picture showing the girl smiling. It made Octavia’s heart beat at the sight. She pushed the thought aside. It was wrong, no mater the sex. And yet...

Ah hell! She was alone, already looking at her page so, maybe if she played around with the idea. The very least to get some silly notions out of her system. Not that her luck, among other things that would need to be that wouldn’t, would have Sonata be single and into girls either. She clicked on Sonata’s bio.

Relationship statues; single

Octavia’s heart skipped a beat. Obviously, it wouldn’t say if she was straight or not. Still... She clicked on photos.

‘Now what would your mother, and little friend say?’ her demon tisked.

Octavia brushes passed it, feeling a rush of adrenaline as she did so. Most of which were of Sonata posing, looking all adorable. She saved those, to pick which would be for the contact information! Of course.

‘Sure.’

The rest were of Sonata hanging out with some of her friends. One of which she recognized as that cow hat girl who had tried to help her with her cello case earlier that day. She even thought she recognized that Rainbow girl Sonata had mentioned an example of being nice for the sake of it. One that caught her eye was of that Disc Jockey. The one who had come the closest to have broken through to her. Before Sonata of course. Not that she could blame said DJ, Vinyl, the description said, for giving up on her in the end.

They all did.

Honestly, if it wasn’t because it was more of a business deal, Sonata would of been no different.

‘So why is she?’

Scrolling down, she saw, to her dismay, the DJ holding an arm around a pinkie girl. The caption reading; Together Fiveever! <3 <3 <3
It was dated to a little over a month ago. So she was gay, and found someone. Good on her. Octavia supposed. Her jaw dropped at the next photo.

A purple haired girl was kissing Sonata on the cheek. This caption reading; Best girlfriend ever!

‘See, you silly, silly girl,’ her mind mocked.

However, it wasn’t so much that which caught, as much, of Octavia’s, as when it was dated. Over a year ago.

So, she was single, gay, and... And what did that matter to her?’

‘Just walk away now, before-

“Oh be quite.” She told herself. Really, she had gone this long without taking a chance at a relationship? Unhealthy would be an understatement. Consequences being dammed if anybody walked in, she threw herself onto her bed, and groaned in frustration.

This was all too much for her. She couldn’t have a girlfriend. Or any friend, period! She had to survive. Make it through high school and college. Keep her parents from mentally wearing her down and- Never be happy.
She looked at her phone again. Was it really worth it? Didn’t she, maybe, deserve to be happy.

Picking up the phone, she looked over Sonata’s number. Until, before she could talk herself out of it, she texted Sonata. Asking if they could resume their study date. Not caring at all what she had just called it in her mind.

Sonata responded right away, the message warming Octavia’s heart as Sonata called her, a friend.

‘You can’t,’ her inner demon reminded. ‘You’ll just mess it up. Then what? You’ll be heartbroken, and you’ll have your parents disappointed as well.’

It was right. She should just cancel the whole thing and have everything go back to normal?...

****

‘The Boxboard Square musical?’ Octavia asked Sonata skeptically.
“I know how silly it sounds,” Sonata admitted during their hour of fun. “But that’s kind of what makes it work! Check out the soundtrack if you can. It’s all about staying positive in your worse times, and not being afraid of doing what makes you happy.’

*****

Octavia smiled at the memory, and looked up one of the songs Sonata had suggested. Sure enough, it was good, and had those very themes Sonata talked about. So much so, she realized she had left Sonata hanging by the third song, and thought quick of any answer. Only instead, she played around with the memory. One that had a different outcome. Smiling, she pictured Sonata taking her hand, and leaning up against her. Octavia would have blushed, asking what she was doing. Sonata would, innocently say, nothing. Then, Sonata would use her free to turn her face towards her. Gaze into her eyes, and-

‘It’s not worth it,’ her inner demon said, starting to interpret her day dreaming, but Octavia pushed it aside. Realizing she had taken so long to respond. With a shaky breath, she answered,

I'm looking forward to it, friend. ❤️

‘Sure. Sure you will. Just keep telling yourself that, you silly child....’

Author's Note

Let’s see how this goes...
Once again, consider supporting me on Kofi and feel free to point out anything positive or negative, and if you have the time, pre-reader position are more than open

Chapter 2

“I’ll be staying after school a bit to work on my bit for the party next week!” Octavia had told her mother when she left that morning.

‘A liar, and a lesbian who pleases herself,’ she was sure if her consequence had a psychical form, it would be shaking its head at her. Which, to be fair, was something more she came up with on the spot as a convention excuse to possibly spend more time with Sonata.

When her mother called back that it would be fine, Octavia felt a sense of euphoria rise in her stomach. Almost thinking it was too easy. Then again, it was never as if she had ever given her parents a reason before to distrust her. Although, leave it to her mother to think tutoring was beneath her, but spending all afternoon practicing was perfectly fine.

The day she graduated high school was a day too soon in her book.

‘Yeah, keep telling yourself that. You’ll be under her thumb your entire life, kid. Nothing will ever change.’

She had a chance to disprove her consciousness just as she arrived at school. While Octavia was walking through the doors, she saw a student she didn’t recognize walk behind her. Normally she didn’t bat an eye at this, but she wanted to try something. Something crazy; She held the door for him.

‘Oh what?’ her inner voice mocked. ‘You think he isn’t going to react or make a big scene because-

“Oh, thank you, miss!” he said back, and then walked off. “Have a good day!” He added, making no bigger deal out of it.

Octavia looked bewilderedly at that. Sure any minute he’d turn around, and act like he owed her a life debut. The fact he didn’t,

“Guess Sonata was onto something there.” She smiled. “Of course, I’m likely the only human alive happy someone didn’t overly praise them for holding open a door.”

Suddenly, her phone rang. Not used to ever getting calls or text messages while at school, she jumped at the sound. Pulling it out, her heart skipped a beat,

Sonata; Hey! Good morning! 😊 Sleep well?

Octavia nearly pocketed her phone out of fear. Instead, she bravely typed,

Octavia: I am doing okay. You sleep well?

She sent it, but then quickly added,

Octavia: That come out right? Or was I supposed to add more?

Sonata: no no! you’re good. Happy to hear... Maybe this is too soon, but want to just try hanging out this morning? As friends? Not sure if you feel comfortable with the concept, and I won’t be alone as a heads up. But, if you want, me and my other friends can be found each morning at the middle eastern lockers. You actually passed right by yesterday with your cello when Applejack asked for help.
Don’t worry, they’re nice, and well, okay, may be a little shocked with your reputation, but I’ll vouch for you. Realizes. If not, I’ll see you in math class later ❤️

Octavia stood there, reading over the text. Truthfully, she really wanted to go. However,

‘See? She just wants to flaunt her new rich girl prize in front of her friends.’

“She didn’t say that.” Octavia tried to counter.

‘She didn’t need to. Are you really going to be ‘that’ naive?’

“No! Sonata wouldn’t do that, would she?”

‘And what grounds do you have to base that on? Because you think you’re in love with her? Some girl you just met? Are you really going to risk getting used because of some silly teenage crush?’

The very same words that caused her to Push away a DJ, and so many others. Well, you know what? She was sick and tired of that!

‘You’re a fool,’ the voice warned. ‘Don’t come crying to me when-

Octavia tunes it out as she made her way to the eastern hallways.

*****

“So there I was! Bottom of the half, score dangerously close to being tied!” Rainbow Dash said, talking about her game.

Sonata wasn’t paying much attention. Instead, focusing on her phone and the last message she had sent to Octavia. While she didn’t expect her to come, it felt right to at least offer the girl a chance. Still-

“Texting anyone good?” Vinyl asked, causing Sonata to hurriedly hide her phone.

“No!” Sonata said louder than she intended, causing her assembled friends to look at her. “I mean, it’s nothing.”

Not a single one of them believed her.

“Oh?” Pinkie Pie grinned. “Somebody, special, by chance.”

“No!” Sonata squeaked, unable to hide her blush.

“Oh Pinkie,” Vinyl said, wrapping an arm around her girlfriend. “Let’s not tease the poor girl. Could just be a new friend.” She then leaned to whisper. “But, supposing that might be the case, I’d say; Good on you for finding someone new. Still, if you ask me-

Once again Sonata found herself tuning out her friends, as said person who had caught her attention, was walking down the halls towards them.

Octavia pauses when she saw Sonta had noticed her. She gave a nervous wave, and Sonata did her best to look reassuring. Octavia took another step, and continued.

-so she didn’t like tacos.” Vinyl continued. “And treated you like dirt. But that’s no reason to-

She zipped her lips upon noticing Octavia herself. They all did, thinking she passed, but when the cellist stopped in front of them, or rather, next to Sonata, the four other girls present stared.

“Oh, hey Octavia!” Sonata said, breaking the silence. “Great to see you.” She then pulled the surprise girl into a hug. “So, um,” Sonata said, arm wrapped around Octavia’s shoulder. “Yeah. Oh! I mention I’m getting tutoring help from my-

Before she finished, she looked to Octavia for confirmation that it be okay to use the F word.
Face turning red, Octavia nodded, realizing what Sonata had made sure she would be okay with saying out loud. She really was such a sweet girl.

“New friend.” Sonata continued. “Hope you girls don’t mind. Octavia, this is Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and-

“Yeah, we’ve met.” Vinyl said, not trying to even hide her anger.

‘Oh hey seed!’ Octavia hissed to herself.

“V!” Pinkie scolded.

“Er, hi,” Twilight said awkwardly adjusting her glasses.

“Yeah,” Rainbow squinted. Memories of a moody Applejack the following day still fresh in her mind.

Octavia let out a sigh. “You know what, I was really just here to remind Miss Sonata about our tutoring session and be off.” She removed Sonata's hand from her shoulder.

Vinyl rolled her eyes.

“Will you excuse us?” Sonata said, taking Octavia by the hand and pulling her out of sight.
Once they reached the hallway corner and we're out of earshot, she said, “Firstly, it’s great to see you again. I’m glad you came.”

Despite everything her inner voice was saying, Octavia smiled at that. “Thanks.” She looked downwards. “But I shouldn’t have. That white haired friend of yours and I have some... History.”
Sonata tilted her head. “Oh? I mean, is it really ‘that’ bad?” Although she could guess from the way Vinyl talked about her the other day, she didn’t need to be smart to know the answer.

“Gezz,” Sonata frowned. “If I’d know, I wouldn’t of-

“It’s fine.” Octavia sighed and tucked in her bangs. “I guess being a self absorbed bitch will make you a lot of enemies.”

Sonata tapped her foot. “You want to skip out on the mutual friend thing today?” She tapped her feet. “And maybe just hang out this morning, just the two of us?”

Octavia perked up at the prospect. “Oh? No, I mean, I wouldn’t want to keep you from your friends. Besides, what would they think if you chose me over them?”

Sonata shrugged. “Then they’re not really friends if they're that shallow. Eh, well, they’re probably already texting to everyone about this.”

“Oh great.” Octavia deadpanned.

‘See!’ her demon told her. ‘Didn’t I say-

“But that’s just how teenagers are when something new and exciting happens.” She gave Octavia’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Just give it some time, and you’ll fit right in. I promise. Hey! Look at me.” She gave Octavia a stern stare. “Nothing bad will happen. I won’t let it. Okay?”

‘You can’t honestly believe this shit, can you?’
Octavia took in a breath. “Okay. But yes, maybe, I would rather just, hang out, with you for the rest of the morning.”

Sonata blushed. “Me too.”

*****

Second hour history. Sonata had just taken her seat, when a book slammed onto the desk next to her.

Sonata sighed and turned to her friend. “Hey, Vinyl.”

“Hey,” Vinyl glared. “Guess you didn’t get my text messages all day? Or, were you busy texting your new girlfriend?”

“She not my,” Sonata started to protest, but stopped in thinking it wouldn’t help things. “Look, will you let me explain and then maybe fill me in more on what happened between you two?”

Vinyl took her seat and waved her hand. “We’ll see. Although honestly, it was just a matter of trying to be her friend when... Okay, so I was also crushing on her, but she would always push me away until I finally took the hint. Big whoop. But please,” she gestured, bowing her head. “Be my guest and explain how you succeed where everyone else failed.”

Sonata rolled her eyes, but tried to retell the previous day's event as quickly as she could before class had to start.

“Figures she’d have to blackmailed into making friends.” Vinyl commented once Sonata got to the part about the tutoring.

“Hey,” Sonata said,. “She wasn't... That bad. Just, a little insecure.” At the moment the teacher walked in. “Look, I’ll finish later, for now, can you at least be open to the idea of becoming friends or at least playing nice? For both of our sakes?”

Vinyl looked down. “I can at least promise I won’t do anything to try and get in the way of your relationship.” Before Sonata could protest, Vinyl added with a wink, “However you two define it.”
Sonata let out a breath and smiled. Knowing that a Vinyl trying to be funny was a good sign.

“But,” Vinyl added, leaning in to whisper as Sonata looked forward, “if I think things aren't working out for you two, if I believe see’s as toxic as your ex, and I think you’re being to blinded by love to see it, I’m going to call it out.”

Sonata shuffled her feet, but answered, “Fine. But I'll take it with a grain of salt, all things considered.”

“Fair enough.” Vinyl nodded and slumped back into her seat. Although halfway through class, she noticed how tense Sonata was and, when she had the chance, whispered,

“Hey, I promise I’ll keep my personal feelings aside. Maybe it will take some getting used to, but if you say Octavia Melody is a good person, until I see otherwise, I’ll take your word for it. I just care about you, as a friend, and I don’t want to see you go through what Aria did to you again.”

Sonata’s body relaxed, and that was the end of that conversation for the rest of the class.

Author's Note

Could still use some grammar help :scootangel:

Once agin, If you want to sponsor this story and some of my YouTube videos, check out my Kofi page. Just be sure to mention in this stories comment section your doing so to get your name featured in the AN notes.

Chapter 3

Octavia hummed time herself walked towards her math class that day. Something she’d hadn’t done, ever. Sure, she got a few strange random looks here and there. If not from her humming, them likely from Sonata’s friends talking about her that morning. However, she found, one, it not as bad as her inner voice would have her believe. Two, she found she really didn’t care that much. Then again, she wouldn’t of thought two people doing nothing before class could be so... Enjoyable? Sure they talked, but really, that was all that was needed. Who knew she could feel so happy? Maybe this was a start of something different. In a good way.

‘You really believe that, kid, don’t you?’

“Hey, Octavia!” Sonata smiled and waved as she walked in

Octavia pushed her inner demons aside for the moment to let a feeling of warmth wash over her.

“Hello yourself,” she smiled back, catching herself on how love struck she sounded.

‘And what would mother say?’ her voice found a chance to speak up loudly.

“You okay?” Sonata asked, noticing her change in disposition. “The rumor mill not too much for you?”

Octavia blinked. “Oh, no! No. It’s been rather calm compared to what I’ve envisioned.” She fidgeted with her hair. “So, I guess I forgot to ask, we good on tutoring this afternoon? And I do legitly mean so. Be nice if we actually got some homework done, and help would be nice.”

“Well,” Sonata mussed, “It was what got us to meet. Maybe you should forget your homework assignments more often.” She leaned backwards on her chair. Then her eyes widened. “No, no, no! I’m sorry!” Was just a joke. Sorry.”

Octavia let out a breath. “Er, yes, hehe... Sorry. Not really good at comedy.”

Sonata frowned.

Octavia frowned.

“Well,” Octavia picked you after a moment. “I was thinking about forgetting my history project this week. To work more on my music that is.”

Sonata lifted her head at that.

Octavia looked around nervously. “Haha.”

Sonata blinked, realized what Octavia was going for, and laughed.

“We‘ll work on it.” Sonata promised with a smile as the class started.

****

“I’ll be honest,” Octavia complained after school to Sonata in the music room. “I don’t get multiplication of negative numbers either.”

The rest of the day for the two girls had passed by rather uneventfully after math class. Octavia once or twice ran into someone who Sonata had known, but still trying to keep to herself, even if she didn’t show hostilities towards anyone. Truthfully, as silly and foolish as it sounded, she really only trusted Sonata at the moment.
‘That is until she just wants you for your money.’ Her voice would repeat to Octavia’s dismay no mater how hard she tried to block it out. So far, the closest she came to that was whenever she was around Sonata, and no one else. Something her inner demon was more than happy to point out when she was alone.

“You? Octavia Melody,” Sonata questioned. “Admitting to not being perfect at math? Call me crazy.” She then let out a cough and asked. “Too much, or I'm about there for what you're comfortable with?”

“It was fine,” Octavia said while playing with her hair.

“You sure?” Sonata asked again.

Octavia smiled. “Indeed. Keep it up, and you might actually start to be funny in our lifetime.”
Sonatas tilted her head, but then she started to laugh. Which made Octavia laugh.

“But no,” Octavia let out with a breath. “While I think being able to laugh at myself is far off, I think I needed that more than you think.”

“Of course” Sonata said. “So anyways; multiplication and negative numbers?”

“Ah yes!” Octavia let out. “I mean, I get the concept. Obviously, or I wouldn’t have the grades to show for it. But, I mean; a positive and negative, as well as a negative and negative creating a positive?” She held her head. “How does that work if I have thirty six apples if I multiply a lack of six apples with another lack of six apples? Or, if I have six but then multiply it by six non-existence apples?”

“Just the way things are supposed to be?” Sonata guess. “Or maybe magic?”

“Well that sounds... Stupid.” Octavia lowered her head.

“I mean, is anything really like magic impossible?” Sonata asked. “Who’s to say- You okay?”

Octavia blinked. “Oh, no! Just... Thinking.” She quickly went back to her notes.

“What about?” Sonata asked.

Octavia bit her lips.
“Hey, it’s fine!” Sonata said, holding her hands up. “Realizes! We can just get back to our-

“But it’s not.” Octavia said dryly.

“What do you mean.” Sonata said, letting out a breath.

“It’s kind of silly, but-

Sonata took her hand, and that infection smile was more than enough.

“I swear, you have some kind of magic in you, miss Dusk.”

“Ah,” Sonata moaned. “I thought, again, this is okay for future reference;” she held her free hand to her heart. “I thought we were past that phase of you referring me to ‘miss’ all the time.”

Octavia smiled and shook her head. “I think,” she giggled. “Actually- Anyways!” She let out a breath. “The way you said, just how things are supposed to be. Truth is, I’ve been so content all the time to just, hold it in, be antisocial so I don’t create conflicts. Make it through high school, the same routine, and that was how I survived. Is that wrong?”

“Maybe?” Sonata lowered her gaze. “Want to tell me more about it?”

Octavia fidgeted. “Actually, you know what I really want to do?”

“Oh?” Sonata perked up. “What’s that?”
Octavia took in a breath. Truthfully, what she really wanted to, possibly do, was still far out of reach for a while. That said, she suddenly felt determined to step outside of her comfort zones.
“I want to try playing a new instrument, even if I suck at it.”

Sonata blinked. “Oh! Not that’s a bad thing! Still,” she looked over their homework, and pushed it aside. “Let’s do it, right now!”

Octavia jaw dropped. “Oh, um, I don’t know. I mean, we still should get this homework done-

“It will still be there, and you said your parents aren't expecting you home for awhile?”

“Well, yes. But they’re also thinking I’m practicing for a concert next week.”

“Well then, it won’t be a total lie.” She stood up and carried Octavia by the hand to the various instruments of the band room. “You’ll be practicing an instrument.”

Octavia tried to steady herself. “I mean, saying it out loud and doing it, what if I’m... terrible?”

“Really? Well, let me ask you; Were you also so perfect at your cello?”

Octavia started to answer yes, but, “Well, I mean, I suppose I was better at it than most who would first give it a try.”

Sonata cringed, but added; “and would you say you’ve gotten better since then?”

“Of course!”

Sonata warmly smiled. “Same principle. Trying something new is all about taking that first step, and not being afraid of not always getting it right. So, what shall it be, my lady? Piano, trumpet, triangle, maybe violin? That’s not too far off from cello, right?”

Octavia reddened at the lady remark. “I suppose not. Actually,” she looked around and, to Sonata surprise, picked up a large drumstick. “I’ve kind of been curious about this one.”

“Huh. Well, that would definitely be stepping outside the cello. However, if I may?” Sonata suggested taking the large stick in favor of a smaller one. “Maybe we should start small, and what would do the least to draw attention.” She pointed to the small drum set next to the large drum.

“Ah!” Octavia blushed. “Right.”

****

“This is stupid!” Octavia cried in frustration twenty minutes later throwing the stick across the room.

“Hey now!” Sonata protested as she went to fetch. “You’re doing an,” she took a moment to rub her ears, “okay job.”

Octavia blew a strand of hair out of her face.

“You’re learning, that’s what-

“This isn’t fun anymore.” Octavia declared, standing up and tossing the sheet music aside.

“Maybe we should just get back to our homework?”

“Whoa, whoa!” Sonata protested. “Come on!

You’re going to give up just because it’s a little hard? We’re not trying to be good, remember.”
Octavia rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the reminder.”

Sonata frowned. “I meant,” she shuffled her feet. “Hey, how about this; I tell you something new about myself, and we try again for just ten more minutes?”

Octavia looked up. “I thought you said friends didn’t compromise in that way?”

“Deal and be even, but compromising is the first thing about friendship! Now; you want to know my deep dark secret or not!”

Octavia let out a sigh, not quite happy, but hardly sad either. “Very well. I'm listening.”

Sonata looked to the side. “Well, I.... I used to sing.”

“What?” Octavia blinked.

“Yeah. Back in elementary school, I was in choir. Was told I had a nice voice and then,” she looked down. “I guess puberty hit me hard and, well... I was eventually told I sounded terrible and should stop annoying people so much.”

“Who told you that?” Octavia questioned

Sonata was about to tell her ex-girlfriend, but reframed. The last thing she wanted was for Octavia to judge her on being a lesbian if she was homophobic. Which wasn’t such a stretch to believe giving who she had been known for.

“Someone I’m glad I don’t talk to anymore. But, I haven’t tried singing since. Just sort of gave up on it.”

Octavia fidgeted. ‘A girl named Sonata who used to sing, but stopped because she believed she was bad?’

‘Sound familiar?’ her voice said, unintentionally being helpful for once.

“Would you sing something for me?”

Sonata bolted upright. “What? No! No no no! I was just trying to motivate you not to give up on yourself.”

Octavia smirked. “So; you’re all talk about stepping outside your comfort zones and not being afraid to fail, but you can’t walk it, miss dusk.”

Sonata fumed and pointed a finger. “Hey! That’s not fair! Or part of our deal.” She regretted it as soon as she said it.

“Well, the deals changed, Sonata.” Octavia said, sticking out her tongue.

Sonata started to protest, but laughed instead. “Well look at you, missy.” She sighed. “Alright, but I did warn you. Any particular requests?”

“Um... how about this one?” Octavia suggested, looking through the available sheet music. “That way; I can sound bad on the drums with you, okay? Actually, it looks like something a student wrote, so it’s not that complex. It’s called; Shine Like Rainbows.”

“Oh hey!” Sonata said looking over the sheet. “I remember this. Pinkie Pie wrote it for her band.”

“You’re friends are in a band?” Octavia mused.

“Sort of. It’s a long story that ends with them getting too busy with high school and life. But they do so every now and then. Alright, just... brace yourself. Even if I wasn’t terrible, I haven’t done this in a while.”

Octavia smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “You can’t be any worse than me. So, shall we?”

Sonata nodded. “We shall. So... hit it.”

Octavia did so, messing up within only a few beats. Still, she continued to try, going slow, missing more than hitting, but-

“Once, upon a time,”

And the Sonata started to sing.

“You came into my world, and made the stars a-line.”

Octavo stopped playing to let her jaw slacked.

“I know, terrible!” Sonata cringed. “But I did warn you.”

“Wha- No! I mean,” she coughed, trying to hide her blush. “Well, yes, it’s very rusty, but honestly, you sound fine.”

Sonata deadpanned. “Oh be serious.”

“I am!” Octavia insisted. Having sworn she heard bells before her more critical side took over. “Just,” she secretly hit record on her phone and started to play again. “Keep going. Although, .”

She gave Sonata some musical advice to help. Which even then. Sonata looked unsure of herself, but Octavia's smile made her nod.

“Now, I can see the signs,

You came into my world and made the stars align!”

They continued like that for a while. Octavia surprised herself as she felt as if she hit about half of the beats correctly. Too enthralled and gave little tidbits where she saw fit to Sonata, who would happily adjust herself, and started to sing more and more clearly. All the while, the two were lost in their own little world, until sadly,

-shine like rainbows!” Sonata concluded. “Oh! I hope that wasn’t too bad.”

“No more so than me.” Octavia assured standing up. “But if you won’t take my word for it.” She pulled out her phone and hit okay. “Listen to yourself!”

Sonata shrieked at the realization that she had been recorded, but relaxed as she heard herself sing for the first time in years.

“Wait, is that... Okay, seriously, what did you do? Some kind of enhancement app?”

“You just saw me pull it out of my pocket! How would I have time to edit it?”

Sonata put a hand to her head. “This has to be some mistake. I’m not good, I’m-

****

“Terrible?” Aria had told her. Her girlfriend's arms crossed, Sonata shrank back. “For realizes? But... But my mom said-

“Are you really going to listen to your mommy, or, are you going to listen to me?” Aria tisked.

She reached out and took her girlfriend by the shoulder. “I just care about you, Sonata. I just don’t want you to get hurt. In fact, you should just quite choir.”

“But... But I like singing!” Sonata said in tears.

Aria raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying you like singing badly more than you like listening to my advice.”

Sonata shrank backZ “... No. you’re right. Probably should've quit a long time ago anyways.”

Aria smiled. “That’s a good girl.”

*****

“Sonata?” Octavia asked.

“Sorry!” Sonata said, looking down and rubbing at her elbows.

Octavia titles her head. “Is something wrong.”
Sonata started to speak, but paused. She looked away, thinking for a moment, before going with, “Just some bad memories.”

“You want to talk about it?” Octavia said, taken aback at what she had just said. Something she’d never thought she would be the one to ask Sonata about. In her own mind, Sonata seemed so optimistic, without flaw, perfect.

Sonata bit her lip. Still, if they were going to be friends, it would be nice to at least share the basics. Besides, she didn’t have to say who, or why gender, they were. Yet.

“Well,” Sonata said, taking a seat next to Octavia. “I, kind of had a really bad ex.”

“Oh.” Octavia frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Sonata shrugged. “I mean, it was a long time ago. All through jr. High. Although looking back, I still feel stupid I never saw the signs. Always putting me down, making me feel I was worthless without her, and yeah, looking back, talked me out of choir to devote more time to loving her... Yeah.” She sighed. “Fortunately, Vinyl helped me to see what a bitch my ex was by the last bit of 8th grade.”

“Vinyl?” Octavia questioned before realizing. “Oh! The blue haired girl from this morning?”

‘Of course! Talk about irony.” Octavia thought bitterly.

“Yeah.” Sonata continued, obviously to Octavia's inner thought. “Just when I think I’ve moved on, something like this reminds me that I’ll never be free of h-them!” She nervously brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She looked to see Octavia looking at her expectantly. “So... You really didn’t think my singing was horrible?”

“You were good.” Octavia nodded. “I promise.”

Sonata slumped into a seat. “Thanks.”

In a bold display of affection, Octavia nervously reached a hand out and rubbed Sonata’s shoulder. “Want to try some more? I’m having fun.”

Sonata’s face lit up red, before she relaxed. “For realizes?”

Octavia raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Sorry, but; Realizes? I meant to ask.”

Sonata fidgeted. “Too goofy?”

“No no!” Octavia insisted. She smiled and stroked her hair. “It’s cute.”

“So,” Sonata said, trying to hide her blush. “Any other request?”

“Um,” Octavia rubbed her chin. “Fighting Gravity?”

Sonata blinked. “Sorry. Not familiar. Who sang it?”

Octavia's eyes widened. “Please tell me your joking.”

Sonata looked around the room. “No. Should I?”

“I, I... Seriously?!” Octavia shouted, stretching out her arms. “You never heard of the musical it’s from? Weren’t you at least in choir?”

“Musical?”

“Oh gods,” Octavia said, rubbing her forehead. “Come here.” She said, standing up, taking Octavia’s hand and dragging her over to the table.

“What are we doing?” Sonata asked worriedly.

“This simply will not do!” Octavia said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her phone. “You poor, poor thing.” She typed in some commands and a green playlist appeared. “I will not hear excuses. This is the greatest musical of all time, and I will not allow a fellow musician to be left out. Don’t worry, dear.” She pushed play, and added with a wink, “You’re in for a wicked good time.”

Jaw hanging limp, she sat down next to Octavia to listen.

*****

Shoulder to shoulder, the two girls spend the next hour and a half listening to the entire soundtrack in question. Half the time Octavia filling in details about what the story was about, and the other half humming along as Sonata absorbs the musical for the first time. By the end, Sonata was left in tears.

“Oh wow,” Sonata breathed. “That was-Wait. She died?”

Octavia grinned mischievously. “I mean, she did die in the original story. So you can’t expect less.”

“Well, yeah! But after all that- What?”

Octavia looked away. “Nothing! Er, well, it’s something you have to see the musical itself to get.” She laughed. “Although I will say, it was something to listen to the soundtrack with someone who hadn’t seen either before.”

Sonata huffed. “Yeah, well, still... Okay! It was beautiful. And actually,I did recognize a song or two.” She rubbed her chin. “So this was the thing Popularity and For Better came from? Cool.”

Octavia smiled. “I’ll definitely have to take you to a showing of it one day if it’s ever in town.”

“Realizes?” Sonata beamed.

Octavia started to feel giddy, but then her inner voice said, ‘Well, well, well. Look at her true colors. Now I bet she’ll think with your money and ‘friendship’ you can give her-

“You really don’t have to! Would never expect something as lavish as a night on broadway from you.”

Octavia let out a breath. “Oh, thanks... Sorry. My inner demons, if you will, tried to convince me that you were really just after my money all along.”

Sonata frowned. “Seriously?”
Octavia gave her a sharp look.

“Sorry, Sorry! You’re right, valid fear.” Sonata tapped on the table and looked at the room's clock. “Say, how soon are your parents expecting you to come home?”

“Um, like I said, since they think I’m practicing for a social event next week, and with them not wanting me to lug around me cello to and fro as often as I can, it’s not uncommon for me to stay rather late. As long as I call for a ride by the time the school is locked up.” She paused nervously. “Why?”

Sonata tapped her chin and did some math. It be tight, and maybe doing so another day would be the better option. But nonetheless, she asked.

“Want to go see a movie with me? My treat. I’ll pay for everything; Both of our tickets, the popcorn, soda, and you don’t have to spend a penny of your own money.”

“What?!” Octavia said scooting back.

“Well, we could tonight, but that deadline would make things close.” She pulled out her own phone to check for show times. “Or we could go tomorrow or sometime later this week. I’m not broke you know. I can afford it for both of us but,” she took Octavia’s hand. “Would that maybe help convince you that I’m not after your money and just want to be friends for realizes?”

‘She’s just setting you up now so later-

“You’d really do that for me?” Octavia asked hand to her chest.

“Yes.” Sonata answered simply as she rubbed Octavia’s hand.

‘At least question her thoroughly to make sure, you id-

“Alright! Yeah... Yeah!” Octavia’s face lite up. “Let’s go now.”

“Okay!” Sonata squeed, packing up and pulling a happy Octavia along. “Let’s get going!”

*****

“Oh wow,” Sonata said, exiting the theater, dumbfounded.

“I’m not sure what’s worse,” Octavia said, bag of popcorn in her hands, her face the same horrid expression Sonata had. “That such a shameless remake of a beloved classic exists, or that I insisted we see it.”

“At least... Most of the songs weren’t horrible.” Sonata threw out.

They both looked to each other, collected themselves, and laughed.
“Oh, oh but really!” Octavia said as she calmed down. “I feel just awful that I made you spend money on…Whatever that was.”

“Oh it was nothing! It’s what friends are for. You can always pay next time if you feel that guilty.”
She slapped her mouth shut. “I didn’t mean-

“Next time?” Octavia blinked, then smiled. “I guess that sounds like a plan. Maybe the movie I pick won’t be so bad.”

Sonata started as a couple of kids walked by. “You’re not upset?”

Octavia tilted her head. “Because we saw a bad movie?”
Sonata ran her left shoe in a circle. “No, I mean... You know what, never-

“Oh.” Octavia said as she realized what Sonata had been worried about. But then, “I mean... Isn’t that what friends do? I mean! It seems, at least in this case, you paid for this movie, I should pay for the next one.”

Sonata smiled. “Wow, Octavia. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say; What did you do with the real Octavia Melody.” She frowned. “Still, I really had no intentions to think you’d ‘pay me back’ or even cover the tickets for the next time we hang out. Realzies. I just wanted you to have a good time.”

Octavia felt her chest warm. “And you did more than a fabulous job. Well, I mean, we could have picked a better movie, but still,” She places a hand on Sonata’s shoulders, but before more could happen, something clicked. “Wait, what time is it?!”

Sonata’s eyes widened as she pulled out her phone. “Shoot! I swore, the time said,” she shook her head. “Hey, relax, we just have to get moving, and if you’re questioned, just say you lost track of time. You can still get out of the school if you’re in it when it’s locked, right?”

“Well... I never overdid it before to find out!”

“Come on then!” Sonata said, pulling Octavia along. Making it back to the school just as the janitor was pulling out.

“Should,” Octavia heaved, “Call, now!” She pulled out her phone and dialed. “Hi, Carol! Yes, sorry. Got a little too enthusiastic about practicing. No, no! Everything’s fine, just ready to pick me up. Great! Bye.” She hung up. “So...

Sonata lifted herself up from holding her knees. “I’d ask if you want me to stick around, but I'm guessing it would be a bad idea if anyone associated with your family saw me?”

Octavia lowered her head. “Sorry.”

“No, no,” Sonata waved off. “I totally get it... So I’ll see you tomorrow? Want to try again with my friends in the morning.”

“Um... I’m not sure. I don’t think your friend Vinyl is very found of me.”

“Yeah, Sorry. Actually, what happened-Eh, I suppose another time. I’ll just text you later and you can tell me yes or no on where you want to hang out!” Sonata gave her a hug before Octavia could protest. “Goodnight!” And with that, Sonata was gone. Although a part of her wondered if maybe she should have risked a peck on the cheek, she brushed it off.

‘One step at a time.’

Octavia, meanwhile, let out a breath. Realizing she would have to deal with her... Ex crush? It didn’t seem like the best, even for lack of a better term. She instead, let out a happy sigh. That could be tomorrow’s problem. For now, she just wanted to reflect on her day. Which not even a crappy remake could have dampened her mood.

Author's Note

Still need editors and Kofi supporters! ^^’

Anyways, originally had plans to spilt this one up, but figured I’d just post it as it is, as I’m struggling with how the next few chapters should play out as my attention is now focused on a fantasy adventure SonTavia AU coming soon.
As always, I love your feedback and comments, even just a simple, ‘good job’ ‘means the works to me ❤️